STUTTGART -- The night before camouflage-clad competitors tried their best to impress judges at the 81st annual World Championship Duck Calling Contest, they enjoyed an evening of camaraderie and a buffet dinner at a VIP Party Nov. 25 at the Grand Prairie Center.
Attending were 54 contestants from across the United States, all winners of sanctioned duck calling contests that lead up to the Stuttgart event. The callers, family members, sponsors, donors and contest officials enjoyed a dinner of fried fish with all the fixings.
There was a short program that included a video tribute to the late Marty Simpson, former chairman of the contest's Rules Committee, who died earlier this year. Bill Free, chairman of the duck calling contest and the Wings Over the Prairie Festival, noted Simpson had been one of the event's most dedicated volunteers.
Brenda Cahill of Morrilton, Pat Peacock of Stuttgart and Dixie Major Holt of Crossett were honored and given plaques in appreciation of their work. The three have each dedicated 52 years of teaching the basics of duck calling to children ages 4-8.
The festival/calling contest takes place annually on Thanksgiving weekend. This year's champion was Phil Green of Weiner.
High Profile on 12/04/2016